Ten Best: Hopkins vs Cedar Falls
The guard versus guard match-up of Ishmael El-Amin vs AJ Green outdid expectations as the pair combined for 74 points and an exciting battle possession by possession. Hopkins was well aware of who the Cedar Falls playmaker was, number 4…
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Continue ReadingThe guard versus guard match-up of Ishmael El-Amin vs AJ Green outdid expectations as the pair combined for 74 points and an exciting battle possession by possession.
Hopkins was well aware of who the Cedar Falls playmaker was, number 4 AJ Green. The Royals sent a lot of pressure at the junior early and forced some quick misses. Green was just looking for a feel for the defense and after he understood their approach AJ exploded with step-backs and pull-ups that went despite defense all over his jersey. Hopkins defenders off the ball started to cheat in and then Cedar Falls was able to find several off-ball cutters (Ben Gerdes and Isaiah Johnson) for open scores and a 44-42 lead.
Coach Ken Novak Jr of Hopkins is one of the best defensive coaches in the state so the halftime locker room noise included an elevated verbal message. The player that heard the motivational speech the most was Ishmael El-Amin who exploded for a quick 18 second half points and a 66-55 second half lead. Double-double contributions from Simon Wright (16 and 10) and Zeke Nnaji (12 and 10 in his first varsity game) were also key parts to the lead, and eventual win as was the all around game from Anthony Davis.
A continuing onslaught of AJ Green kept the game within five scores down the stretch but his overall 42 points wasn’t enough. Hopkins finished with four in double figures led by El-Amin’s 32 (freshman Blaise Beauchamp had nine) and they won the rebounding battle 33-19.
MVP: AJ Green
Green’s high and quick release after initial dribble separation provided constant entertainment and what was more impressive was that Ishmael El-Amin was playing as well defensively as just about anybody could but Green still found space to hit eight treys and 14 of 29 field goal attempts overall.
Best Offensive Performance: Green and El-Amin
We already discussed what Green did as his 42 kept Cedar Falls from getting beaten by double digits (as well as opened up space for others to cut and finish). But the scoring stretch that changed the game was the 18 that Ishmael produced right after the half including two treys and two dunks in a short time frame. The Ball State commit played one of his better games.
Best Coaching Decision: Novak getting quicker
Coach Ken Novak Jr started big with 6-foot-10 Joe Hedstrom, 6-foot-7 Zeke Nnaji, and 6-foot-6/6-foot-7 Simon Wright. The Hopkins team defense was not Hopkins like most of the game but it was better when Blaise Beauchamp or Daryl Mayfield was on the floor and only two bigs played. Cedar Falls scored less behind the play when Hopkins got quicker.
Best Intangibles: Simon Wright all around play
I’m not really sure if being a fantastic all around player and giving constant worker is getting enough credit here but Wright’s intelligence of shot selection, effort on the glass working for a double-double, and especially his ball movement out of the paint were key ingredients to this victory. He scored 16 points with ten boards and five or six assists.
Best Under the Radar Performance: Ben Gerdes
Cedar Falls wing that was instrumental in keeping the game close with his off the ball work separating from the Royals defense to catch and attempt (as well as make) high percentage attempts.
Best Underclassmen: Zeke Nnaji
Zeke had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in his first career varsity game and he did it against a quality Iowa team. Zeke is active, moves around screens as well as shuffles in help with the lateral quicks that Coach Novak loves, and he’s an excellent rebounder. Great start to his career.
Best Story to watch moving forward: Hopkins guards
Champlin Park is number one, Hopkins is number two. The wonder is if Ishmael, Beauchamp, Mayfield, and Anthony Davis can supply what Vinnie Shahid, Kamali Chambers, Siyani Chambers, and Marcus Williams did for so many years and that is the type of pressuring defense and leadership at lead guard that teams are afraid of. Ishmael is a fantastic player, scorer, and it looks like a much improved defender. He and Davis should give the defense. I believe Ishmael and Blaise can give what they need on offense at lead guard as well.
Best Aspect of the Environment: What a start!
My first high school game of the year (game cancellation on Thursday, daughter team party Friday) will be hard to top. Aj Green went for 42, Ishmael El-Amin went for 32, Simon Wright an Zeke Naji had double-doubles, it was fantastic.